Rebirth vs. Rebirth Tragedy to Triumph by Violeta and Zelena [[Chapters 651, to 660]] – Daisy Novels   

Chapter 651

Evelina’s expression darkened. “It’s possible. After all, Violeta’s rise has been incredibly smooth.”

It had taken her years to reach where she was today.

But Violeta became a top star the moment she debuted.

What was the reason behind that?

Anyone would say Violeta was lucky, landing a role in one of Wade’s productions right after debuting.

Speaking of Wade, Evelina suddenly remembered something. She glanced at Winona and asked, “I heard Chad is Wade’s grandson?”

Winona nodded. “Yes.”

“Chad’s kept that pretty low-key. No one connects the two of them. But now that Chad’s gaining momentum, I don’t see why he had to struggle so much. If he’d leveraged Wade’s connections earlier, they could’ve easily tailored a script for him. Nolan wouldn’t be where he is today.”

Nolan was the actor who had blown up thanks to his role in a historical drama.

Wade’s scripts were known for creating stars in historical dramas. If Chad had wanted to take the easy route, he could’ve had it way easier than most.

But he chose the tough road of becoming an action star, which was exhausting, painful, and left him constantly injured.

Honestly, he was being foolish.

Evelina added, “If I could collaborate with Chad, it would give me a way to meet Wade. Then I could have my pick of the historical dramas Wade writes.”

Winona agreed, “That’s a solid plan. Wade’s not the type of screenwriter you can easily connect with. Approaching Chad is the way to go.”

Evelina perked up and asked, “What’s Chad working on these days?”

“I’ll have to look into that.”

“Alright, go find out… Ouch…”

Before Evelina could finish, she felt a sharp pain in her stomach, wincing as she clutched it with her eyes closed.

Winona frowned. “Is it your stomach again? I’ve told you to stop dieting so hard. You need to eat regularly.”

Evelina sighed. “I know, but my stomach pains have become kind of habitual.”

“This isn’t sustainable. You should find time to get it checked out at the hospital.”

“Alright.”

Though she said she’d go, Evelina’s schedule was packed, leaving her no time for a check-up. She kept putting it off.

Usually, when her stomach acted up, she would take some medication. Sometimes, she’d tough it out until the pain subsided.

Meanwhile, Violeta had spent the New Year in the mountains.

After New Year’s, the statue restoration was complete, and it was time for Violeta to leave the mountain.

That day, she knelt devoutly before the statue.

As she left the hall, Violeta asked Elden, “Is Master Terrel still in seclusion?”

Elden nodded. “Yes, Master hasn’t come out yet.”

Violeta was a bit disappointed. “I’m leaving this afternoon. I had hoped to see him. How has his health been lately?”

Elden smiled. “He’s been in good health, as always.”

“That’s good to hear.”

In her past life, Violeta’s biggest regret had been that she never returned to see them after leaving the mountain.

Now that she had made this trip, she felt a sense of fulfillment.

With a gentle smile, she said, “If I get the chance, I’ll come again. Make sure to open the door for me when that time comes.”

Elden chuckled. “Come again? Sure, but that’s not up to me. You’ll need Master’s permission.”

Over the past few days, Violeta and Elden had become quite familiar with each other.

…

Elden was the youngest disciple and less serious than his senior brothers. He was the one Violeta spoke to most often.

Violeta nodded. “I’ll go pack my things now. They should be coming to pick me up soon.”

“Go ahead.”

After Violeta packed her belongings, the helicopter had already circled the sky several times, now waiting for her at the back mountain.

With her backpack slung over her shoulder, she headed out without anyone seeing her off. It wasn’t necessary.

She took one last look at the gate of the Hermitage, then turned and left.

Tuna followed closely behind her, while Hera had long settled into her cage.

Tuna sniffed the air and turned to glance back.

At the Hermitage gate, Elden and the second senior brother stood watching.

“Elden, when do you think Ms. White will return?”

“Master said, ‘If fate wills it, they will meet again.””

Violeta boarded the helicopter, which lifted off from the mountaintop.

In just over ten minutes, they had landed at the White residence’s helipad.

Chapter 652

Upon returning to the White residence, the servants had already been waiting for a while. As soon as Violeta arrived, they quickly took her bag, and the butler said, “Mrs. White reminded us this morning that you’d be back today. She went to check on the young master but said she’d return before dinner. She asked that you stay at home and wait for her.”

“Got it.”

It had been months since she’d been home, and of course, she’d have dinner with her parents.

As Violeta was about to head upstairs, one of the servants, while organizing her bag, found a talisman. Catching up to her, the servant asked, “Miss, is this talisman in your bag still useful?”

“Talisman?”

Violeta turned around and reached out her hand. “Let me see.’

The servant handed it over. Violeta examined it closely, recognizing Master Terrel’s handwriting on the small script.

She gently rubbed the talisman with her thumb and opened the folded paper inside. It read:

“Repel bad luck, ward off evil.”

In her previous life, when she descended the mountain, she had found a similar talisman in her bag. But later, due to her carelessness, she lost it and had no idea where it went.

This time, she would take care of it properly.

Relaxing her brows, Violeta carefully placed the note back inside.

“I’ll make sure to keep it safe.”

“Of course, it looks like a good luck charm for protection.”

That afternoon, Violeta texted Hayden, inviting him to the White residence for dinner.

Before dinner, Irene returned from outside. Violeta was lounging on the couch, eating watermelon, and watching entertainment news on TV.

A lot had happened while she was away.

Someone had spotted Tracy at a high-end maternity center, and rumors began to circulate online that she’d given birth. People even managed to uncover the name of the facility–it was at a luxury maternity center in Poresaint.

Someone called the center to verify, but their call was abruptly hung up. Tracy’s team remained silent about whether she’d had a baby.

But it had indeed been quite some time since Tracy had made any public appearances.

There was plenty of chatter on Twitter, though the topic didn’t gain much traction and seemed to be suppressed.

“Tracy had twins through IVF. My relative works at the clinic where she did it, and she confirmed it herself.”

“Ever since Tracy terminated her contract with Apex, she’s been pretty much off the radar. Turns out she was prepping for IVF and having kids. Secretly married? Who’s her husband?”

“Are you all unaware of the rumors about Tracy and the deputy head of some TV channel? Or am I imagining a whole storyline? Didn’t his wife find out, and didn’t that cause a huge stir, with her threatening divorce?”

“D*rn! Keep going, I didn’t hear about any of this!”

“Tracy’s in her 30s, right? Thirty, maybe 31 or 32. Having a baby at her age seems pretty normal, but if she’s having kids for a sugar daddy, well…”

After leaving Apex, Tracy had been focused entirely on having a baby. For over a year, she’d stayed out of the limelight, and now it was clear why-she’d been giving birth.

The online gossip wasn’t baseless; people in the industry knew some of the behind-the-scenes details.

Having one child was already risky, but having twins was doubly so.

And Tracy had never seemed like someone fond of children. Why would she have two? It was probably because Davy wanted a son, so she opted for twins to lock things in.

She had even flown to Poresaint specifically to give birth.

She had hoped to keep things low-key, but it still got leaked.

Tracy had probably spent a fortune to keep this story off the trending searches. There wasn’t a peep about it on the main searches, but if you clicked on the search terms, the discussions were buzzing.

Violeta also looked up some updates on Evelina.

Her fashion deals had been suffering, and people online were mocking her, calling her “Skinny Princess” because of her skinny frame, with ribs visibly sticking out.

In recent years, as women’s awareness has grown, more people have been pushing back against the idea that beauty meant being pale, young, and thin.

So, many criticized Evelina’s body as unattractive.

But some fans defended her, saying, “Evie’s naturally slim! It’s not about being pale, young, and thin; she was born this way. You’re being too harsh.”

That defense didn’t last long.

Someone posted old photos of Evelina from high school, where she was a bit chubbier.

“Evelina was just an awkward, slightly chunky kid in high school. She wasn’t that skinny at all, and she was pretty tan. This whole pale and skinny look is something she cultivated later. You fans are just a bunch of immature kids, setting a bad example for the next generation!”

Chapter 653

“It’s such a waste for her to wear haute couture, there’s no beauty to it at all!”

“If this is how domestic celebrities look in haute couture, then the entertainment industry here is doomed!”

“Is Apex pushing Evelina now? Violeta disappears all the time; hopefully, the company isn’t playing favorites.”

“Some people have a way with words. There are curvy bodies, and then there are slender ones. Just because you don’t like Evelina’s figure doesn’t mean you need to act like it’s objectively bad.”

“Not everyone likes curvier bodies. I think Evelina’s slim, graceful look is beautiful.”

“Please, get over yourself. Just because you don’t like her doesn’t mean others don’t. The world doesn’t revolve around you.”

That evening, Hayden arrived at the White residence.

During dinner, they discussed the new villa community opening in Quinston.

Irene said, “Hade, have you two decided on your future home yet? You can’t keep living at Liberty Grove after you get married. That place was originally meant for Violeta to rest between classes, and it’s too small for a married couple.”

Hayden replied, “I’ve thought about buying a new place. Do you have any suggestions?”

Irene looked at Anton and said, “Anton, isn’t there a new development coming up in Astoria? Why not pick a house there? Maybe we can get them to hold a good one for you?”

Anton nodded. “Sure, I can make a call. The location and amenities are solid. Hade, you can check it out when you have time.”

Hayden smiled softly and glanced at Violeta. “I’m fine with whatever, as long as Vio likes it.”

Violeta was picking up some food as she casually remarked, “I’m okay with anything. Honestly, I don’t think we need so many houses. Liberty Grove is perfectly fine, I’ve gotten used to living there.”

Irene shook her head. “No way. If it’s going to be your marital home, it needs to be something better.”

In the bustling city, tranquility is what the wealthy seek in their homes.

At the end of the day, it’s not that Liberty Grove isn’t a good place to stay. It’s fine for temporary use, but it’s not enough to be their permanent home.

After finishing her meal, Violeta wiped her mouth and said, “Fine, I’ll go along with whatever you all decide. Let’s just go look at the houses in the next few days. What about you, Hayden?”

“I’m free tomorrow afternoon.”

Anton added, “Alright, it’s settled then. I’ll give them a heads-up tomorrow.”

Irene nodded in approval. “Great, I’ll come along too and help with the decision-making.”

Two days later, news of Violeta and Hayden looking at luxury homes worth millions made the trending search list.

One popular comment read, “They’re house-hunting already- does this mean the wedding is coming soon? They’re such a sweet couple!”

When they were touring the houses, Violeta wore a white hoodie with the hood up and sunglasses, while Hayden, tall and lean, had a mask on. They stood side by side in front of the model homes, chatting.

Judging from the angle of the photos, it looked like one of the sales agents had snapped a picture in secret.

Though it’s unethical, few can resist the temptation of sneaking a photo when they see a celebrity.

Some fans figured out they were looking at a house in Astoria Point, and a few even commented that they were thinking of going to buy there just to be neighbors with Violeta.

In the end, they settled on a detached villa at the end of the block, complete with two lawns and a swimming pool.

Irene was very pleased with the house, and the interior design would be done according to Violeta’s taste.

That evening, Eugene called to check in.

“You guys went house-hunting?”

“Yep.”

“The Astoria houses are impressive. Things are different after the engagement now you’re house-shopping like it’s nothing.”

“Haha, are you back from vacation?”

“Yeah, I’m back. When do you plan on getting back to work?”

“Probably the day after tomorrow.”

“Alright, see you at the office then.”

“Okay.”

While Violeta was off to the mountains for the restoration of the statue, Hattie and Nolan’s movie “Whisper to the Mountain Spirit” was scheduled for release, just in time for the New Year Festival.

Nolan’s immense popularity drew in a lot of female fans, especially since this was his first time starring in a romantic, mutually healing story. Fans were rushing to buy tickets.

However, in the middle of filming, Hattie publicly announced her relationship with Harvey, which upset her fanbase that loved shipping her with Nolan. Even though they thought the movie was good, the fact that Hattie now had a boyfriend took away some of the excitement. ♡

Chapter 654

Nonetheless, the film proved to be exceptionally crafted,

featuring breathtaking landscapes that could easily be captured in stills, making for stunning wallpapers.

Consequently, the box office numbers remained impressively high.

Before its theatrical run concluded, it amassed over three billion dollars in revenue.

Hattie’s performance garnered significant acclaim, thrusting her into trending conversations. As it was her first film, many were skeptical about her abilities, especially given that her earlier roles had been rather average.

However, her portrayal in “Whisper to the Mountain Spirit” received outstanding reviews.

This achievement was primarily attributed to Hannah’s close involvement, which included developing intricate backstories for her character.

A great deal of effort was dedicated to seamlessly integrating Hattie into the film’s leading lady, resulting in widespread praise.

If “The Golden Ages” had also debuted this year, there was a possibility that the two films would vie for the spotlight.

At next year’s awards ceremony, Violeta would be pitted against Hattie in a significant competition.

However, it was evident that Hattie wasn’t focused on such matters. She had been preoccupied with chasing after money and had recently participated in an e-commerce livestream to promote various products.

Initially, she had attracted a good number of quality followers from “Whisper to the Mountain Spirit.”

Yet, due to Hattie’s series of reckless decisions that tarnished her own reputation, it was only a matter of time before she faced a downfall.

Once Violeta returned to her duties, the company began reallocating resources back in her favor.

Evelina finally managed to find a moment to relax and even visited the hospital for a stomach check-up, but the emotional burden weighed heavily on her.

It felt like there were no dark clouds over her while Violeta was away.

However, when Violeta returned, a shadow seemed to creep back in.

With a cake placed before her, Evelina could have indulged herself, but now, Violeta was the first to take a slice, leaving Evelina feeling disappointed.

Violeta wasn’t being greedy; she was merely choosing her favorites, as her energy was limited. In contrast, Evelina forced herself to push through, even when she had no appetite.

Yet, many brands that had long collaborated with Violeta were bound by fixed contracts that Evelina couldn’t easily take over.

The opportunities available in the company mainly involved scripts, commercial performances, filming, and appearances on variety shows.

Since her debut, Violeta had not participated in a single variety show.

On one hand, it was because she disliked them, believing that actors should maintain an air of mystery.

On the other hand, the world of variety shows was a paradise for Zelena.

The entertainment world was a haven for Violeta.

For Zelena, variety shows represented her safe space.

Just as Violeta had walked away from Marina Media without a second thought, she had no intention of glancing back.

Of course, she wouldn’t give Zelena any chance to undermine her in a realm where she thrived.

At the end of the month, an online anniversary celebration for a brand was scheduled, and Violeta received an invitation to appear live for two hours.

Eager fans made reservations in anticipation of the broadcast’s start.

Zelena was also invited to this anniversary event, which meant Violeta would be sharing the spotlight with her.

Although Zelena had been active in the industry for several years, she hadn’t produced any remarkable works. Her fanbase was primarily built on her persona in variety shows.

Some fans cherished her bubbly and adorable nature; others admired her sharp, confident aura; some were captivated by her looks; and many simply grew accustomed to seeing Zelena on their screens.

Additionally, she had a talent for comedy during her appearances.

While filming, she didn’t come across as overly serious and was willing to take risks, which won her many fans.

However, in recent times, Zelena had started to intentionally flirt with the male guests on the shows.

It seemed she had accepted that her romance with Nolan would never materialize.

Previously, Zelena had resisted the producers’ attempts to pair her with male guests for publicity because she genuinely desired a relationship with Nolan and didn’t want him to view her as someone who would flirt indiscriminately.

But now that her chance with Nolan had vanished, she felt no need to maintain the “pure” image she had cultivated for him; sometimes, stirring things up was essential to keep her popularity alive and her name in the spotlight.

Recently, Zelena had been linked romantically with Wayne Rhodes, a well-known male movie star.

Wayne had achieved fame at a young age and was now in his 40s, a decade older than Zelena.

Having spent years in the public eye, he also held a significant position as the vice president of the Film Association, making him an influential figure among male actors in the industry.

Chapter 655

Wayne first crossed paths with Zelena while promoting a variety show alongside the main cast.

Zelena had always been infatuated with Nolan, convinced he was the perfect match for her, which caused her to overlook the other male actors entirely.

However, after coming to terms with the reality that a romance with Nolan was out of reach, her emotions shifted dramatically.

What had once been love turned to resentment, and she found herself secretly hoping for Nolan to experience setbacks.

Spending time with Wayne allowed her to view him in a different light; he genuinely was a good man.

Though Wayne was ten years older than her, his well-groomed appearance made him seem remarkably youthful, obscuring the true passage of time.

If a relationship with Wayne blossomed, it could potentially open new avenues for her career, paving the way for more prominent roles.

What value was there in being popular without substantial work to support it?

In the entertainment field, genuine talent served as the bedrock, while fame often eclipsed mere popularity.

Zelena yearned for a prestigious award or perhaps a benefactor to assist her, much like Hattie, who starred in “Whisper to the Mountain Spirit” alongside Nolan, earning critical acclaim and paving her way toward potential awards in the coming year. Zelena couldn’t help but feel a stab of jealousy; why did Hattie get the opportunity to be in a film that could win awards while she was left empty-handed?

Having a high profile was advantageous, but she understood it wouldn’t last indefinitely; she had to consider her future.

Even now, participating in variety shows felt like an uphill battle for her.

Her back injury flared up from time to time, leading her to depend on pain relief patches throughout the year.

Reluctant to step outside her comfort zone, she gritted her teeth and pressed on.

On the show, Wayne and Zelena were deliberately paired for publicity purposes, and she discreetly contacted him, pretending it was an apology.

Wayne didn’t turn her down, which led Zelena to feel that there might be something developing between them.

She became invested in Wayne, even promoting his upcoming film on Facebook, where commenters, presumably paid supporters, raved about how well they suited each other and how wonderful it would be if they actually got together.

As the anniversary celebration livestream kicked off, Violeta graced the screen in an elegant gray haute couture gown, its simple lines exuding sophistication. Seated on opposite sides of the host, the cameras mainly focused on Violeta, after all, she was the evening’s biggest star.

It wasn’t until 20 minutes into the broadcast that Zelena finally made her entrance.

When Zelena stepped onto the scene, the host visibly relaxed, engaging in lighthearted banter with her that flowed easily.

The difference was stark; during interactions with Violeta, the host displayed noticeable caution in their words, as if hesitant to upset her.

In contrast, with Zelena, who frequently appeared on variety shows, the atmosphere was far more casual.

Perhaps this was due to the understanding that Zelena could handle jokes without taking offense.

Additionally, Zelena’s status in the industry wasn’t as elevated as Violeta’s, so the host felt less pressure to be careful in their approach.

As the live broadcast neared its climax, it shifted to a fan Q&A segment.

The host randomly picked questions from audience comments to pose to the guests.

Each guest would respond to two questions…

When it was Violeta’s turn, the first question posed was, “Vio, a viewer wants to know about your upcoming film project. Everyone is curious about its release date. Is it a TV series or a movie? I heard you finished a major film production last year, but it hasn’t premiered yet. Do you have any updates on its release?”

Violeta nodded and replied, “Yes, I do have another movie scheduled for release this year, but I can’t confirm the exact date just yet. So, please keep an eye out.”

The host chuckled, adding, “I wonder if you used any of our products while filming on set.”

Violeta graciously responded, “Absolutely!”

The second question took a more scandalous turn.

“Vio, a fan mentioned that you and Hayden have recently been making headlines for house hunting together. Is there any truth to that? If so, does this mean wedding bells are in the future? When can we expect an official announcement?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Violeta acknowledged, “Yes, we were indeed looking at houses for our future…”

Before she could complete her thought, Zelena cast a sideways glance her way, a flicker of mixed emotions crossing her face.

This revelation caught her off guard.

Violeta, that b*tch, had somehow managed to trick Hayden! ®

Chapter 656

Hayden holds a significant position in politics, which is much better compared to a businessman. That b*tch has successfully landed herself a promising partner.

“We’re currently in the process of selecting a wedding date. Don’t worry. We’ll keep our fans informed. Now that we’ve officially announced our relationship, there’s no reason to keep our wedding plans under wraps,” Violeta stated with assurance.

The host nodded appreciatively and commented, “Transparency is key! Now, let’s get Lena’s fans buzzing. I’m going to pull some questions from the audience!

“The first question is about rumors suggesting that Lena has been getting close to Wayne lately. Is there something exciting in the works?”

Zelena flashed a feigned shy smile, lowering her gaze as if to create an air of innocence. “Oh, please don’t say that! Wayne and I are just really good friends. I hope these rumors don’t keep circulating. They could cause him some trouble.”

The host paused for a moment, caught off guard by Zelena’s theatrical response, before quickly regaining his composure. “Is that so? Did you all hear that? Let’s not stir up more rumors. We wouldn’t want Lena to get upset!

“Alright, let’s move on to the second question. Ah, here’s one! A fan wants to know what your ideal partner is like.”

Zelena subtly cast her eyes downward and said, “I’ve loved watching television since I was a kid. I remember being in middle school, tuning in to Wayne’s shows. I thought he was incredibly handsome! I always dreamed of finding someone like him. So, I guess that makes him my type! Haha! I wonder if anyone else gets it. We all had our idols growing up, right?”

Zelena had practically stated that Wayne was her ideal man without holding back.

Her middle school years?

Wayne was 12 years her senior. By the time Zelena was in middle school, Wayne was already a well-known name-one of the leading male celebrities of his generation.

If Zelena had been 14, Wayne would have been 26.

She was basically the embodiment of youthful infatuation!

Just moments before, she had insisted they were merely friends, and now she was openly expressing her admiration for his type.

The comments section erupted with activity.

However, since the Q&A segment had wrapped up, the event was coming to a close.

The host skillfully left a sense of suspense hanging in the air before finishing the segment and ending the livestream.

As the event concluded, Violeta stood up gracefully, exchanged a few words with the staff, and headed offstage to change her outfit and remove her makeup.

When she pulled out her phone to check Facebook, she wasn’t surprised to see the trending topics.

#ZelenaRevealsHerCrushonWayneLive

#VioletaConfirmsUpcomingWeddingtoHayden

Both subjects were trending at the same time.

However, Violeta and Hayden were no longer an enigma. Their relationship had already garnered attention in the past, so the buzz surrounding them this time lacked the fervor that Zelena experienced.

Zelena had been candid during the livestream, revealing that her ideal man was Wayne.

Just moments prior, she had flatly denied any romantic involvement with him, only to follow it up with a bashful admission of her attraction to him.

Wasn’t this back-and-forth essentially a clear confession?

Previously, Zelena had collaborated with Wayne on a reality show that had become a hot topic, attracting a considerable audience.

Although Wayne was 12 years her senior, his striking appearance was hard to ignore. While some contemporary stars might have been accused of manipulating their popularity, the audience’s engagement back in the day had been genuine.

Wayne’s charming looks won him the hearts of viewers, making him a sought-after catch.

Having spent his career in leading roles, he still managed to achieve remarkable box-office success.

Yet, the fact that he remained single raised some eyebrows.

There were whispers suggesting that he had been married in the past, even fathering a child in secret, but the relationship had fallen apart because the woman couldn’t cope with being kept out of the public eye. His hectic schedule had ultimately led to their divorce.

Some rumors even alleged that Wayne was gay, claiming that he had no interest in women at all.

Despite the gossip, Wayne had never felt the need to address any of it.

“It’s a constant shuffle in the entertainment industry, but Wayne stands firm like a rock,” Aster remarked, glancing at the trending gossip on Facebook.

She sighed and added, “Given Wayne’s fame, even my mom knows who he is! Back in the day, he was often paired with well-established actresses for publicity, and now he’s linked to Zeléna.

“As long as a male actor maintains his appearance, he can easily portray a husband one decade and a son the next. It’s really not an exaggeration.”

Chapter 657

Violeta couldn’t help but laugh at Aster’s comment. “Can you imagine your mom finding out that her favorite actor from her youth is now dating someone younger than you? What do you think her reaction would be?”

Aster paused, considering the question thoughtfully for a moment.

“To be honest, I think she’d be taken aback initially, and then she’d let out a sigh and say something like, ‘Oh, of course! Men always seem to go for younger women.’ Haha!”

As Violeta tucked her phone away, another thought crept into her mind.

She had already forwarded the details about the blond waiter and the surveillance footage to Ophelia, but she hadn’t received any updates from either Zelena or Ophelia.

This left her with two possibilities: either Ophelia had

overlooked the anonymous tip she had sent, or she had found nothing of significance.

The first option seemed unlikely. Ophelia had to be fuming at whoever was scheming against her, so it was hard to believe she would ignore a potential lead.

That left the only conclusion that Ophelia had simply not discovered anything useful.

If Ophelia couldn’t gather any information, even with clear images of the person involved, then her skills were indeed lacking.

Violeta’s expression darkened as she pondered whether to offer Ophelia another assist.

Having wrapped up the event, Violeta considered her day complete.

The chatter on Facebook regarding Ophelia continued to escalate, but it didn’t bother her at all.

When Violeta got back to Liberty Grove, she found Hayden already home from work.

He was lounging on the couch in a beige sweater, absorbed in a TV show. After taking a quick shower and slipping into comfortable clothes, Violeta joined him with her laptop, ready to surf the internet.

Before long, Gabriela entered with a bowl of yogurt topped with fresh fruits. The yogurt had a pleasantly tangy and refreshing taste.

It had been a while since Ophelia’s drama had trended on Facebook, so Violeta decided to do a quick search for any updates but found nothing new.

Since the incident, Ophelia had been keeping a low profile, rarely making public appearances.

However, paparazzi were still on the lookout, capturing footage of Ophelia’s manager hauling various items into her apartment. It appeared that Ophelia had withdrawn from the world following the incident.

Missing out on the Best Actress award at the Golden Rooster Award must have stung deeply. This was Ophelia’s second nomination, and once again, she had left without the coveted prize.

Perhaps she was merely attempting to work on herself, biding her time for the perfect moment to make a comeback.

“What are you staring at?”

Noticing Violeta’s intense concentration, Hayden leaned in closer.

Resting her head on his shoulder, Violeta softly asked, “Hayden, could you help me investigate someone?”

“Of course. Who is it?”

Violeta opened the surveillance footage she had saved on her computer and pointed to a blond waiter visible on the screen. “This guy.”

Hayden frowned slightly. “What did he do?”

Violeta’s expression turned serious. “He slipped something into my drink. If I hadn’t caught it in time, I could have been the one making the headlines instead of Ophelia.”

But then again, maybe not.

Aster had been there with Violeta, and every choice at a crucial moment could have led to a different outcome.

If Violeta had actually consumed that spiked drink, who could say what would have unfolded?

Most likely, it would have gone exactly as Zelena envisioned: scandalous images everywhere, a tarnished reputation, and likely no opportunity for marriage into the Frosts.

Marriage?

Suddenly, Violeta glanced up at Hayden, a new idea striking her.

Could Zelena’s motive for this be tied to Hayden?

Zelena had feelings for Nolan but had been unsuccessful in her pursuit; this scheme would not have only tarnished her reputation but also have jeopardized her chances of marriage.

Last year, Ophelia’s scandal had sent shockwaves through the media, and Al-generated compromising images circulated widely. As a result, Hayden remained a silent witness to the chaos that ensued.

He wasn’t the type to revel in gossip or focus on such trivial matters.

Yet, due to Violeta’s involvement in the entertainment industry, he found himself swept up in all the drama.

What had occurred with Ophelia would affect anyone’s life, and had someone else faced that situation, Hayden would have surely felt morally obligated to sympathize with them.

But if it had happened to Violeta?

He dared not imagine it; the mere thought made him seethe with fury.

“What did you say?”

I believe Ophelia’s incident was caused by her consuming that spiked drink.”

Violeta gestured toward the wine glass in her hand from the surveillance footage, then began to elaborate on the situation to Hayden in detail.

Hayden’s expression tightened as his brows knitted together. “So, who do you think is behind this?”,

Chapter 658

Violeta stated with conviction, “I’m nearly certain that Zelena is behind all of this.

“She holds a grudge against me. While it may appear that she isn’t involved, my instincts tell me she was targeting me. Yet somehow, Ophelia ended up taking the brunt of it.”

Hayden’s face grew serious. “Zelena? Do you believe she poses a real threat? I mean, in a physical sense?”

A physical threat?

In her previous life, Zelena had found enjoyment in tormenting Violeta, relishing her struggles as she fought to survive in the lower rungs of society.

But back then, it had never escalated to actual danger.

However, this time, the situation was markedly different. The unpredictability of the changes made Violeta wary; she couldn’t be sure what Zelena might do next.

So, she nodded in response. “Yes. Just her presence feels threatening to me. But… considering everything that’s happened, I owe her 18 years.”

Violeta had been anticipating the moment when everything would finally erupt, and she sensed it was approaching rapidly.

Hayden was aware of the switch that had occurred in Violeta and Zelena’s lives for the past 18 years.

Zelena’s expulsion from school had created quite a buzz back then, although Hayden had already moved to Newham by that time.

He believed Violeta could handle minor setbacks in her career without assistance.

Yet, if matters had escalated to this level, it was not something he could overlook.

Had Violeta not confided in him, he would have remained in the dark. Now that he was informed, he felt compelled to take action; he wouldn’t be able to call himself a man if he didn’t.

Hayden’s eyes narrowed, resolute. Clearly, Zelena needed to be confronted.

Violeta had been fortunate once, but could she rely on that same luck a second time?

Hayden couldn’t bear to think of the potential consequences if she didn’t.

He grasped Violeta’s hand firmly. “Let me take care of this. I’ll arrange for someone to track him down.”

Violeta nodded in agreement. “Alright.”

She assumed Hayden meant he would simply locate the individual involved.

But what she didn’t anticipate was…

Not long after, Zelena found herself quietly blacklisted by those in power.

Zelena’s earlier appearances had been allowed to air, but all her unreleased variety shows were being rejected without any clear reason, returned to her for reassessment.

Initially, it seemed like an isolated event; after all, Zelena had numerous programs lined-up, and she only cared about getting paid to do the job. Whether those would ultimately gain approval wasn’t a concern for her.

There could be countless reasons why a show might fail to pass inspection, and the investors didn’t initially make the connection to Zelena.

However, it gradually became evident that anything even slightly linked to Zelena was encountering unseen hurdles.

Programs were unable to secure approval.

Even the commercials she filmed were turned down.

Magazines featuring her on their covers were suppressed by those in higher positions, leading to a ban on sales.

The common factor in all these situations was Zelena’s involvement.

Investors were bewildered.

Zelena hasn’t committed any offenses, so why is she enduring such a subtle form of blacklisting? Has she angered someone important?

No one had the answers; everyone was merely obeying directives from above.

As the rumors spread, chaos engulfed Zelena’s team. Even Marina Media received stern warnings, instructing them to refrain from giving any projects to Zelena.

Of course, even if a deal had been proposed, it would be halted before any progress could be made.

The investors weren’t naive; they wouldn’t throw money at someone whose work would end up unreleased. Consequently, all financial support has abandon Zelena.

News of her predicament began to ripple through the industry.

When Violeta caught wind of it, she inquired, “Zelena’s been blacklisted?”

Aster responded, “Yeah. Mr. Scott, do you have any idea what’s happening? Who did Zelena upset?”

Eugene shook his head, looking grave. “I’m not sure, but the buzz is that no one wants to collaborate with her anymore. All the content she previously filmed, variety shows and the like, has been cut without any negotiation.

“The shows that couldn’t get approval overnight have edited Zelena out just to pass the review. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even reach the screening phase.”

Aster’s eyes widened in shock. “What? That’s completely outrageous! Who did she anger to provoke this?”

Eugene shrugged, his expression serious. “I have no clue, but it must be someone influential.”

Violeta paused for a moment as a name crept into her mind- Hayden!

Could this possibly be…

Hayden’s doing?

Such a clean and decisive termination seemed like the sort of maneuver only someone in a position of power could orchestrate.

Chapter 659

In most instances of being blacklisted in the industry, the repercussions weren’t typically as sweeping or absolute.

This kind of ban would effectively drive Zelena into obscurity, cutting off her chances to perform.

Yet, it also signified that she was being cornered, creating a sense of urgency in her situation.

Violeta pulled out her phone and messaged Hayden, inquiring if he was the one orchestrating this.

At the same time, Zelena’s team was in chaos, moving around like ants on a hot skillet.

“What on earth is happening? Does anyone have any information?”

This was the most significant crisis since Clifford took on the role of Zelena’s manager.

No one could have anticipated that Zelena would suddenly find herself blacklisted.

Clifford remarked, “Lena, the average person won’t be aware of the truth. We need to consult someone with influence in the industry.”

Essentially, reaching out to Wayne, the vice president of the Actors’ Association, would be a smart move.

If Zelena could connect with him, he might have some insight into the unfolding situation. Even if he lacked specific details, he could serve as a conduit to relay messages to the right people.

If Zelena had unintentionally offended someone, she would do whatever it took to make things right.

Zelena nodded, agreeing with Clifford’s perspective. She wanted to ask Wayne for assistance or perhaps see if he could organize a dinner meeting to discuss the issues at hand.

“I’ve already reached out to him. He mentioned he could help and invited me to dinner at 8:00 PM tonight.”

“Really? That’s wonderful! If someone is willing to help, it will simplify things immensely.

“But Lena, are you completely certain you don’t know who you might have upset? This is not a trivial matter.”

Zelena felt a wave of confusion. “I honestly don’t know…

Recently, she hadn’t crossed paths with anyone in a negative way.

She was confident in her ability to identify those she could offend and those she couldn’t, she had been in the industry for so long, after all!

The only thing she could think about was that earlier incident with Ophelia…

But that was almost six months ago.

Initially, Zelena had feared that Ophelia might seek revenge, prompting her to devise an escape plan.

But Zelena had been waiting for quite a while, and there was still no update from Ophelia.

Gradually, she began to push the thought to the back of her mind.

Zelena didn’t believe that Ophelia was the one behind her troubles; Ophelia simply lacked the influence to orchestrate such a situation.

Even if she did have the power, Zelena was confident it would be easy for her to manage.

“Let’s just wait for dinner tonight,” she resolved.

“Wayne mentioned he arranged for someone from the Federal Communications Commission to attend, probably a high-ranking official. I’m not sure if we’ll gather any valuable insights, though,” she added.

“That sounds promising,” Clifford replied.

Later that evening, at 8:00 PM, Zelena was dropped off at the hotel entrance. She adjusted her hat before stepping through the door.

After taking the elevator up to the floor where the private room was located, she found Wayne’s assistant waiting as the doors opened. The assistant stepped forward upon spotting Zelena and guided her to the entrance of the private room.

“Go right in. Wayne and the others are expecting you,” the assistant said.

“Thank you,” Zelena replied.

She took off her hat and opened the door.

Having attended her fair share of business gatherings, she felt confident in her ability to handle the situation.

Inside, a large round table was occupied by Wayne and several men from the association, with Zelena as the only woman in attendance.

There were still a couple of empty seats, likely reserved for the leaders of the Federal Communications Commission.

“Lena, you’re here! Come on in. You’ve probably met everyone, so I won’t go through introductions,” Wayne said with a warm smile.

The association members were all seasoned veterans of the entertainment industry; even if they were no longer in the spotlight, they remained influential figures behind the scenes.

“Hello, everyone,” Zelena greeted politely as she made her way to her seat.

She settled beside Wayne, who had invited her to this gathering.

Before her arrival, Wayne had already informed the others about how Zelena’s business dealings were being impacted.

A man with glasses spoke up, “The Federal Communications Commission has maintained a good relationship with us for years. When they arrive, be sure to toast them properly. They should be more understanding of your situation since we have this connection. I doubt it’s anything too serious.”

“Thank you so much! I’ll raise a glass to everyone now for taking the time to help me with my little problem.”

Chapter 660

The bespectacled man raised his hand to stop Zelena as she started to stand up to pour wine. “We’re not here solely for you. Our association members often gather for meals like this. You should really express your gratitude to Wayne for making this happen.”

“Yes, Wayne! I genuinely don’t know what I would do without your help,” Zelena said, looking at him with heartfelt appreciation.

Wayne returned her look with a smile. “It’s nothing, really. The main mission of our association is to mediate any conflicts or misunderstandings. I’m just glad to assist you.”

Zelena nodded, settling obediently next to Wayne.

Before long, two men dressed in suits entered the private room. Upon their arrival, everyone around the table rose to their feet. Realizing what was happening, Zelena stood as well, discreetly observing the newcomers.

“Victor, you made it! Come and sit down. Didn’t you mention wanting to try sea bass with lemon and herbs? I had the kitchen prepare it just for you. It’s the real deal! You have to taste it later.”

The two greeted each other with smiles and laughter, showcasing their long-standing friendship.

Zelena clasped her hands together in front of her. Despite having been in the industry for several years and having attended numerous social events, she still felt a bit out of place in this environment, especially as someone seeking assistance.

“Have a seat! Let’s eat and catch up. Hey, where’s Anthony? I haven’t seen him around.”

“He’s in a meeting. He’ll be here shortly.”

“Perfect! I was worried he wouldn’t show up.”

The two men settled into their seats, leaving just one spot available on the left side.

The newcomers immediately recognized Zelena; after all, she was a prominent star.

“Hey, isn’t that Zelena sitting next to Wayne? Wayne, is this your new girlfriend?” one of them teased.

Wayne burst into laughter. “Not at all! Lena is 12 years younger than me. We’re just friends. Lena is facing some business difficulties and feels a bit lost, so I thought it would be beneficial for her to join us for dinner. Come on, Lena, go raise a glass and toast to Victor. He can assist you with any questions later.”

Zelena quickly poured a glass of wine and walked over to Victor Neel.

Just as he was about to smile, another man beside him reminded him of something, and the grin disappeared from his face.

“I can’t drink this,” Victor said decisively.

“Wayne, I think I understand what you want to ask, but I can only tell you it’s complicated.

“This isn’t an issue that can be resolved with a simple toast, nor is it something within our ability to fix.”

Zelena stood frozen in place, feeling like a server trapped in an uncomfortable situation-unable to step forward or retreat.

Wayne’s face hardened as he inquired, “Victor, what’s happening here?”

The man responded, “We’re just following orders from higher ups.”

Turning his attention to Zelena, he continued, “You’re young, and if this industry isn’t a fit for you, there are plenty of other avenues to explore. Since you’re here now, I’ll offer you some advice: Keep your head down, avoid trouble, and this will eventually blow over. If you don’t, you might face much more serious consequences.”

Is he suggesting I transition to behind the scenes?

Zelena couldn’t simply accept that.

She had worked her whole life to outshine Violeta.

Her pride refused to let her live in Violeta’s shadow.

She had poured her heart and soul into her work, pushing through her back injury and even coming here to make toasts alongside Wayne, not to receive such a comment.

Clenching her jaw, she cautiously asked, “Can you explain what I did wrong?”

The two men exchanged knowing glances, and one replied, “It’s difficult to say. What you perceive as right may be seen as wrong by those above you, and what’s considered wrong can just accumulate. It all hinges on their mood.”

A wave of frustration washed over Zelena. “But I didn’t do anything!”

Silence enveloped the room for a moment.

Then, the door swung open. Before anyone could identify the newcomer, a voice echoed, “Victor! Guys! Guess who I brought with me! Hahaha! Mr. Frost, I’m genuinely surprised you decided to come here with me!”

At that sound, everyone at the round table rose to their feet, their attention focused on the entrance.

Only Zelena remained motionless, as if she had fallen into a frozen void.

Her hand gripped the wine glass so tightly that her knuckles turned a ghostly white.

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